Valve mechanism for discharging air and water of condensation from steam-heating systems.



STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS. y v APLIOATION FILED MAR.12, 1906. 951,751 Y Patented Mar. 8, 1910. y Z asHEETs-sH1zBT 1.

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A I JM B. E. lVAN AUKEN. VALVE MECHANISM FOR DISC HARGING AIR AND WATER O' GONDENSATION FROM STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 12, 1906.

Patented Mar. 8

- SSHEBTS-SHEET 2.

, B. E. VAN AUKBN. VALVE MEGHANISM FOR DISGHARGING AIR AND WATER OF CONDENSATION PROM STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 951,751. l? `I Patented Mar.8,1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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`ggfwzj BYRON VAN AUKEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

VALVE MECHANISM FOR DISOHARGING AIR ANI) WATER STEAM-HEATING SYSTEMS.

OF CONDENSATION FROM Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led March 12, 1906. Serial No. 305,657.

Mechanism for Discharging Air and Water water return pipe, which the cost of constructio oi Condensation from Stea1n-Heating Systems; and l do hereby declare that the f ollowing is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had. tothe accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in valve mechanisms in the nature of a lioat controlled steam trap, for discharging, by diilerential pressure, air and Water of condensation from steam heating systems or from other inclosures or devices in" which steam condenses. .f

My improved valve mechanism, when applied to steam heating systems, is located between the return-side of a heating unit or radiator of the system and the condensation latter operates under a pressure less than that of the radiating or heating unit.

Among the objects of my invention is to produce a valve mechanism ofthis character which may be attached' to a radiator of ordinary dept-h of leg or base, and so constructed as not to extend below the general level of the radiator base; to sim lify and cheapen n oi) such valve mechanism; to reduce the cost of maintenance thereof, and to improve and render certain its operation.

The invention consists in the matters herein set forth and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

As shown in the draWings,-Figure l is a vertical section ot' a valve mechanism made in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is av 'detail section, taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2) is an enlarged, fragmentary detail.

section of the upper part of the valve mechanism. Fig. l is a. section, taken on the indirect line L -L of Fig. 1, with parts removed. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section, taken on line of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a horizontal section, taken on line (5 6 of Fig. l Fig. 7 illustrate dischargtiig air. Fig. 8. is a vertical section of the; valve mechanism, illustrating the de.-

a modification 'ot the means'fory i l l g.

vice in the act of discharging Water from the float chamber, the float being slightly raised.

In said drawings, A designates the valve mechanism, as a Whole. It consists of a ver* tically elongated, chambered casting A1 in which is formed a float chamber A2. Said float chamber contains a vertically elongated, hollow float B, preferably made of thin sheet metal. The upper Wall of the chamber comprises, as herein shown, a removable cap or closure a, which permits the ready insertion and removal of the float. The casing or shell is provided near its bot-'- tom with a laterally directed inlet branch A3, and at its bottom With a vertically directed, liquid discharge branch A4, the latter adapted for communication with a condensation water returnv pipe through which Water of condensation is discharged from the float chamber. The said liquid dis-l charge pipe operates under apressure considerably less than the normal pressure ot the radiating units of the heating system.

The said inlet branch is adapted for connectio11 \vith a radiator, or other condensing' device, through a short pipe C removably connected with the branch A3. The conduit formed by said pipe C and the branch A3 communicates With the tioat chamber through a seal at the inner end of the branch, arranged to be sealed by the accumulation of Water orp condensation, and the air space in the upper part of the loat chamber is adapted for open communication with the liquid discharge passage of the device, pret'- erably through a restricted opening, in a manner hereinafter to be described, thereby establishing and maintaining a differential pressure on opposite sides ot the. seal wherebya portion ot' the accumulatbd water is intermittently discharged into said lloat chamber. The tioat chamber A is provided with a discharge passage D through which water,1 which collects in 'the float chamber, is intermittently discharged from the iioat chamber to the discharge passage A* and thence to the condensation Water pipe adapted for communication therewith. The said opening D is herein shown as formed in a vertical short tube or nipple D1 that extends upwardly into the float chamber and is eX- teriorly screw-threadedat its lowerend to engage a screw-thread opening'in the lower Wall of said float chamber. The discharge opening D of the float chamber is governed Patented Mar. s, 1910.

by a valve E controlled by the loatB.. As herein shown, said valve consists of a `,short v'plug' fixed rigidly to and depending from the lower end of the loat B and formed at its lower end to close the discharge passage I D. The upper end of the tube or nipple D1,

in which isformedvt-he discharge passage D,

is provided with an upwardly and outwardly flaring recess d, and the lower end of the valve -E is correspondingly tapered to engage the daring wall of said recess. 'The presence of said. flaring or conical recess is advantageous, inasmuch as 1t guides the valve to its seat at the time the float is inserted into the chamber and facilitates the i insertion of the float in the chamber. The

float'is provided at its upper end with a y lguide-stem F which entersa suitable `guide openin in a boss al formed on the upper wall o `the removable cap or closure a of the 'oa't chamber, whereby the float is guided in its. vertical movements.

y In accordance with one ofthe principal fea'- tures of the present invention, the discharge passageofthe device communicates with the airspace in the upper part of the iioat chamber through suitable portsin the hollow float B. -For this purpose, the stem F is shown as made hollow to provide a passage f which communicates at its upper end ,withy the float chamber and at its lowerv endiwith the-inte-4 rior of the hollow iloat; and the valve E is made hollow to. provide a passage e' which y communicates at its upper end with th'einU terior of the hollow float through an opening b in they bottom wall thereof and communi-- Cates at its lower end with the4 outlet passage D of the ioat chamber. The air passage' through the iioat is' restricted at one'point.

As herein shown, the passage f is'formed with a restricted portion or" ort f1` which constitutes a contracted vein t at limit-s thel passage of'air -or airand vapor therethrough.

It will be observed, by referenceto' the drawings that the cross-sectional area. of the said restricted opening or contracted vein f1 is, relatively, very considerablyless than the area of the discharge opening I) whereby,

when the valve is seated and the interiorof the fioatrisin communication', with the exhaust device throughv said opening b, there. will exist-a difference .of pressure'on. opposite sides ofthe lo'atwall. That'is to say,

there will be less pressure in theinterior of. the loatB than 1n the interior of'the sur-` rounding loat lchamber A2. There may, for,

example, be atmospheric pressure in the float chamber and several inches of vacuum with-. 1 in the hollow float. It will thu's be manifest. that when the float B is raised, (see Fig. .81),- and the opening b sealed by the temporary 'inru'sh of 4water `of condensation, `the airwill' continue to flow 'into the float through the re-` stncted opemng f1,

The vseal `the conduit, .through ..which .Water ofico'ndensatjion is discharged; from u the'radiator into the float chamber, is 'shown as formed by `a lip or weir A5 located just Ainside the inlet' branch A3 and dipping into a poclgetA formed in the shell at.the inner end of said branch, thelower edge of said weir being shown as located below the yfloor or bottom ofthe pipeC, or the radiator connecte'd therewith.- Theilocation of the' lower y.edge of said lip or flange determines the water level in the'pipe C and the base of the' radiator adapted for communication therewith. Said seal may, however, be otherwise produced. )In the presentconstruction, the

pocket A communcateswith the float chamber 'above the lineof otation of' the float through `a vertical passage A7 located at one charging. at' its upper end into 1 the float chamberv nearthe upperl end of; the latter. The said `passage AA7 and pocket A constitute, therefore, `together with the pipe 'C and 4branch A3 ar conduit designedl to'provide V"mulating in said conduit into thev oat cham-l ber land to discharge the air from-said heatvs ide of I'the ioat chambensaidpassage dising system with a minimum loss 'of steami The illustrated constructionv for estab# lishingvv communication between the upper end of said hollow Astem F; and' the up er part ofthe float chamber, vis made as ollows: The said stem'fextends looselythrough 'A ana'perture in the boss al. into, and commu.-

cates with, a chamber g formed'in'a hollow` capG that iitsover and has screw-threaded' engagementA with they boss al.l 'The vsaid j chamber g communicates with the up erend of the float chamber'through an annu ar passage azformed between the loosely ttin I stem vF and the wall of the aperture throng which it extends. y y stem is provided with notches f2 adapted to be engaged vwith. a screwdriver or. like im.-.

plementto turn-the` stem out of itsscrewvthreaded.engagement l.with the ioat.` lSaid notches alsol prevent the .air passage' being entirely closed when the" float is raised to such height to vengage the vend thereof with. the upperwall of theclosing capG. f Y Means are (provided for discharging the A en'sation from the pocket A6' and..,vertical .passage A1 ,when desired, conysisting,fa's herein shown, of aport o r openwater, .0f 4 con n-g ,a3 1 affording communication between the pocketl and ythe discharge branch A4, said the stem 'H1' of which extends across the The upper end of said pprtfbeing' normally'closed by a conical valve" discharge passage of they device and laterally Cil CAI

. the top 'ot said passage, as 'shown in Fig. l,

theopp'osite sid'esof 'said seal. The superior outwardly through a branch A8 and has screw-threaded engaz'g'ement therewith. A sluiting box A9 prevents the leakage of 'vapor, air, and water around said stem. A leakage. }'iassage is provided at the lower end ot' the float chamber to permit the escape ot water therefrom at times when the valve is out ot service. As herein shown, the leakage vpassage is provided at the outlet valve tor the chamber by forming a groove (Z1 (Fig. Q) in thel conical face of the valve seat. Ob* viousl y, the forming of such groove in the valve E at this point will produce the same result. .I

In the operation of the valve mechanism, the upper part of the float chamber is in open communication with the discharge passage thereof through the hollow float at timesl when the valve governing the discharge of water from the float chamber Vis closed. The water vof condensation from the heating system accumulates in the conduit leading tothe oat chamber and said conduit is sealed by the accumulation of said water of 'condensation therein, thereby operating, in connection with the lower pressure ot' the discharge sideof the valve mechanis'nifto 'increase the dilierential pressure on pressure on 'the radiator side of the seal operates periodically to force theaccinnul-ated water of condensation into the iio'atchamber until a sutlicient quantity of water has been deposited in said chamber to raise the float and"v the outlet valve E, whereupon water escapestrom said float chamber through the discharge passage thereof until the body of water in said chamber is lowered below the line otliol'ation of the float. Thereupon the iloat is llowered by gravity and the valve lil 'is seared to cut oil' the escape of water from the lloat 'chamber'. During the .period of accnnrulation oi water in the float chainber, air and rap'o'r finding their way into the upper part ol said :chamber are conducted therefrom through the hollow 'float and the` ports or passages thereof, and the diti'erential pressures on the lopposite sides of the seal, caused by lthe combined action of the seal and the .lower pressure into which the air and vapor is discharged. cause the Vwater to be gradually forced into the lioat chamber until it accumulates therein iii-sulficient quantity to raise the float and valve andv permit. the escape of a port/ion the water-from said lioat chamber, as described. ln the normalfoperation of 'the forni of the valve 'mechanism vherein shown, wherein lthe water of condensation is directed` into the tcp of the floatchamber through the Vertical passage A?, the water finds its level at and overflows into the float chamber, due to the superior pressure on the radiator side or tue seal, assisted also bythe disturbance i caused by the rising of air and steam therethrough ,in the manner stated, has the effect of spilling water over the upper edge of the inner'wall of said passage in greater or less quantities, depending upon the violence of the disturbance of said water by the passage of the air and steam therethrough, as described. So long as the normal operation of the apparatus continues, therefore, the passage .A7 will be substantially filled with water, as shown in Fig. l. During the time the float is raised and the valve is open to permit the escape of water from the float chamber, the lower end of the hollow valve is cut out of communication with the liquid discharge pipe, so that at this time the escapey of air through the hollow float is cut oil. When the valve is seated the escape of water from the float chamber-is cut oli. It

`will thus be seen that the action of the mechanism is intermittent to alternately discharge air and water therefrom. ,That is to say, the air 1s continuously drawn trom the Hoat chamber into the interior of the hollowv float through the restricted opening 1 but is intermittently discharged from the hollow float through the opening b, the latter being alternately sealed or closed (see Fig. 8) by water and opened to the discharge' D, (see Fig. l) while the contracted passage or vein f1 is. always open. 4

By reason of thefact that the interior of the hollow `float is subject to the pressure of the discharge passage of the valve mechanism -when the float is down (see Fig. l), and

the water discharge Valve is closed, and is cut oit' from said passage when the float is raised (see Fig. 8), and the valve is open, the pressure in said ii'oat is subject to considerable variation during a given cycle of the operation of the valve mechanism.y .That is to say, when the valve is closed, by reason yof the restricted size of the opening 1 the interior pressure of the float is less than that of the float chamber, so that, when the float is raised andthe passage of air cut oil' through t-he hollow valve E, the superior .pressure in the float chamber outside Ythe lio-at forces the air into the space of lower pressure within the lioat, thereby decreasing the differential pressure on the opposite sides of the Wall of the float. 'Yhen the lloat drops and the Valve E again seats,the press sure will be again decreased to correspond with the outlet side of the valve mechanism, thereby increasing the differential pressures yon the opposite sides of the wall of the hollow float. It will thus be seen that air or Aair and vapor is constantly passing from the i l 4float at times'when the valve E 'is seated.

, The extension of the stem F into'th'e cham',-

'ber formed in the removable; cap, a'sldethe scribed, or other construction exposin end of the stein when the cap is remove af;

fordsv ready access tothe passage 'or port thereof to'clear the same of any obstruction be conveniently cleared byl inserting therethrough a wire or like implement without` removal of the float or stem fromp'la'ce.'

The provision ofa passage at ,the lowerl end of the hollow float is yofgconsiderable advantage, aside from lformin passa for the escape of air rom theloat cham in constructions wherein the hollow float-is without such outlet. ."In the present construction, water'leakin into vthe hollow Afloat is drawn oill as rapi ly as it accumulates therein, Whereas in a .construction whereinl `the hollow float where y the capacity* ofthe i passage may be varied or regulated. In this construction, the stem F1, corresponding to the stem F shown in the other figures, -is

'providedwith a screw-threadedplug I which enters the same .and has screw-threaded engagement therewith. In this' instance, the. communication between the interior vof the stem andv the float cham-ber is provided through themedium of radial ports f3 f3'. leadingthroug'h the walls o fthe stem below the screw-threaded plug' I. ,'Saidhplug has' al conical end z' that opposes a conical surface? f* inthe stem F below said ports.` B mov'- ing 'said plu upwardly or'downwar lythe capacity of t e passage maybe varied, a's is obvious.

It will be noted'that by reason of the re#v stricted opening leading A from the float cham-- ber to the interior of the oat and by reason 'ofthe larger o ening leading from the inf -chamber into the float is so restricted as ,com-1' pared to' the loweriopenin `that .water will more freely pass throught e lower' openings.'

terior of the oat to the liquid' discharge' passage, water will more freely pass throughl the lower openingvfrom the 'floatjcha'mberl into the float when' thefloat isf'raised than'v air or vapor will ass from the float champ .ber into' the float t rough the up er' restrictal ed opening'. The construction 71s su'ch that the upper opening leading fromthe float than willthe air or valor thipugh'hthei upper at W en t. @1i-.9st f opening. vfollows inasmuch as this construction. avoids the ldisadvantage of the leakage of water into the hollow float, such as occurs'.

. ishedy in y the raisedl it is light but when the water flows -ancy v'of 'the water .is assisted the lightinto the lowenend ofthe float. the floatv be.- i

nessof the iloaft and `theweightofthe. water Withinthe lower 'en'd of the .float assists in `returning the loauso asto close thedis .charge opening fromthe iloatjchamber. that may lodge therein. Suchfpassage may yIllclai'm as my inventions-f L prising a float chamber,.a liquiddischarge -passa-ge communicating therewith, a conduit part of the adapted toprovide communication between r a radiator'fand said `float chamber, a liquid' seal arranged l'to ib'e sealed by the-accumulal-f-` tion of water `of condensation in saidy conduit therebyincreasing the differential pres-v sure 4onopposite sidesfof said liquid seal v whereby aportion ofthe accumulated water of condensation 'is' yforcedfunto .said float chamber, a hollow lfloat for governing said '90 with arestricted air inlet o' enin and with discharge passage, said ,float being provided a 'comparatively.unrestricte 'out et opening affordingcommunication, through the 'hole low float,'. between the lloat chamber. and a.

zone of lowerl pressure, `Wherebyga .partial vacuum is'est-abli'shed in .theffloat when.said14 liquid' discharge passage isclosedand, where-l bywater is forced into theqlloat when the `latter is raised and said liquidydischarge assage is in open communication. with thel oat` chamber..

2. Valv'elmechanism for dischargin rair l and water of condensatlon from steam eat-W pri'sing a` iloatv chamber, a liquid 'discharge to .providegcommunication' 'y between a@ radiiato'r' and-said' loat. `chanber,` a liquid seal ,arr'angedto be sealed-.by the .accumulation .l

of' water oflcondensation-in said. conduit therebyI 'increasing 1 the differential pressure on .o'p'pos'tesidesf-ov saidv liquid sealwhereby' a portion of the accumulated water` ofcon dens'ationisy forced into saidfiloat'i chamber,y the saidiioatbein provided witha restrictv ed `air inlet opening 'a'nd. with a compara- 'assagef communicating therewith, a hollow oa't :having a valve .-for governin said liquid discharge passage, acgnduit aI apted;r

.tively unrestricted outlet opening. aiording` communication', 'throughithe hollow float, be`

ressure. wherelv 3J yValve mechanism" YFior' rgdischargin and water ofi(I Inden'sat'aon. from steam, '0drr 75.4 l1L- Valve mechanism lfor discharging air, and water 'of condensation from steam heating systems byvdierentialpressurelcom- 'King syst-ems by' prismg a float chamber.

differential pressure co1nl, a liquid discharge passage communicating th'erewith, a conduit adapted to provide communication between a radiator and said loatchamber, a liquid seal arranged tobe sealed by the accumulation ot' water of condensation in said conduitthereby increasing the differential pressure on opposite sides ol said seal whereby a portion of the accumulated water of condensation is forced into a hollow iioat in said float chamber provided with a valve for controlling said liquid discharge passage, said float being provided with an air passage extending through the float and valve and discharging into said liquid discharge passage, the upperv part of said air passage being a restricted inlet opening and t-heilower part being a'compara.- tively kunrestricted outlet openlng through the Valve whereby a partial vacuum is established in the tloat'when the valve is' seated and whereby water is forced into the float from the float chamber when the valve is raised from its seat.

et. Valve mechanism for'discharging air'.

from steam and water 'of condensation heating systems by differential pressure coniprising a shell formed with a float chamber, a liquid discharge passage communicating y with said iioat chamber, a hollowfloat in said chamber, a- ,valve carried by the float which governs the liquid discharge passage, a conduit adapted to provide communication be tween av radiator and said float chamber, a liquid seal arranged to be sealed by the accumulation of water ofcmnlensation in said conduit thereby increasing the ditferential pressure on opposite sides of said liquid seal whereby a portion of the accumulated water of condensation is forcedl into said float cha'n'1ber,a hollow. guide stem extending upwardly from sa'id float and having guiding engagement with said shell and provid,- ing a restricted opening for the passage of air from the lioat chamber to the hollow float, said float being provided also with a comparatively unrestricted outlet opening affording communication between the hol low float and a zone of lower pressure thanv that of the lioat chamber whereby a partial vacuum is established in the fioat when the valve carried therebyis seated and water is forced into the float from the float chamber when said valve is raised.

5. Valve mechanism for discharging air and w'ater of condensation from steam heating'systems by dili'erentialmpressure comprising a shell, a float chamber therein, a conduit adapted to provide communication between a radiator and' said float chamber, a liquid seal arranged to accumulation of water of condensation in said conduit thereby increasing the differential pressure on opposite sides of said liquid said iioat chamber,v

`float chamber,

'its u per end with a be sealed by the seal whereby a portion of the accumulated water of condensation is forced into-said float chamber, a liquid discharge passage communicating with the float chamber, a hollow float adapted to govern said discharge passage and provided vwith an air passage extending through the l'loat and discharging into said .liquid discharge passage, the upper part ot'said air discharge passage being a restricted inlet opening andthe lower part bei-ng a comparatively unrestricted outlet opening affording communication between the hollow float and a zone of lower pressure than that of the whereby a. partial` vacuum is established in the float when the liquid discharge passage is closed against communication with the float chamber and whereby water' is forced into the float from the float chamber when the float is raised, and means for partially closing the upper part of the air discharge passage, whereby lthe flow of air from the float chamber into the-hollow lioat becomes more restricted when the ioat is raised.

6. Valve mechanism for discharging air and water of condensation from steam heatvnigsystems. by dili'erential pressure comprlsing a 'float chamber, a conduit adapted to provide communication between a radiator and said float chamber, a liquid seal arranged to be'sealed by the accumulation of water of condensation in said conduit thereby increasing the dilferential pressure on opposite sides of said liquid seal whereby a portion of the accumulated water ot' condensation is forced into-said float chamber, a' liquid discharge passage connnunicating with the Hoat chamber, a hollow float, a alve carried by said fioat for governing said discharge passage, said fioat being provided at its upper end 'with a restricted o eninf'v throuofh which air is dischargedv -"J h b from the fioat chamber to the interior hollow float and beingprovided at its lower end with an opening through which air is discharged from the hollow float, through said valve, to the liquid discharge opening the lower opening of the float heilig' sealed by the water in the float chamber when the float is raised.

7. A- valve mechanism for the purpose described, com rising a4 float chamber provided with liquid inlet and discharge passages, the latter operating under a pressure less than that of the former, a hollow float in said chamber, a valve closure attached to said float for controlling the liquid discharge passage, said oat being provided at restricted opening through which air is discharged from the float chamber to theinterior' of the hollow float and being, provided at its lower end with an opening through` which air is discharge from the hollow float to' the liquid 52o tirety ihren h said liquid ischarge passage, the upper partvv of said passagebeing ayrestricted opening,-

discharge opening, the lower. opening of the float being sealed b the Water, in the float chamberwhen- ,the oat is raised.

'8, Valve mechanism for dischargingx and water of condensation from steam an' eating systems by 'differential pressure, com-,- a liquid dischargef passage communicating therewith, a ,hollow y or governing said discharge passage,

prising a float chamber,

oat

10 a conduit yada ted to provide communication betweenal ra iator and said float chamber,

a liquid seal arranged to be sealed by the. accumulationfof water of condensation in said conduit, therebyincreasing the differential pressure onfopposite' sides ofl s aid liquid seal,

whereby' a Aportion of the `accumulated vwater of condensation is forced into said float chamber, said float being provided with .a

continuous air assage extendingv as an en'- e f ioat and discharging into i andy the lower part of said passage being adapted to besealed byxwater'vi the float chamber when the fioat is raisedlto release the water from said float cliamberto said liquid discharge passage; Y

9. Valve mechanism for.. dischargin and waterofcondensation from steamii ing` systems bly` prising a Shel air eata float chamber therein, va

'conduit adapted. to provide, communication between a radiator and said fioat chamber,

Va liquid sealarrangedto be sealedy by the-accumulation of water of condensation in said .conduit thereby increasing the differential pressure on opposite sides of'saidliquid sealI whereby a portion of the accumulatedwater" -of condensation is forcedt into said float 7 40'chamber, a liquid discharge l'passage communicating with said fioat chamber, a' hol- 4 Y low float provided with a valve for con-v trolling said Jliquid' discharge passage, a stem extending upwardly from said float '45 and provided with a restricted opening for partial vacuum is 'established in the float when thevalve is seated andwater .is ,forced into the float from thefloatlchamber when 'the'valveis raised from vitsjseat.. -i

.10. Valve mechanism fordischargin and water o'f condensation fromv steam heating systems by' differential4 pressure, com-I prising a float chamber, a-conduit adapted 6.5 to provide communicationy between -a radiydifferential pressure coniy e float having detachablev engageif n opening and with a comparatively iinre-y -stricted outlet opening affording) atorand saidgfloat` chamber,- a liquid'l disycharge passage communicating witlr'said float chamber, a liquid seal arranged to be sealed bythe accumulation ot water condensation'in said conduit, thereby increasl'in the differential pressure on opposite :si es of said seal whereby a portion of the acc'uini'ilated water ofcondensat-ion is forcedl into said float chamber, va lhollow fioat in said float chamber provided with a valve f closure-,for controlling said discharge passtricted air' and'vapor opening and a larger lower, opening whereby water will' more freel pass. through the lower opening from the oat chamber-,into the float when lthe float yis raisedrthan the airorvapor will ass from the float chamber 'into the oat vthrough th'esaid restricted opening.

11. Valve mechanism for discharging air and water of condeiisation from steam heatingsystems'by differential pressure comprising a float chamber, a conduit adapted to and said. fioatchamber, a liquid seal far sage and4 provided valso with an upper reprovide communication between a radiator ranged to be sealedby-theaccumulationof i l Water. ofcondensation inthe conduit 'thereby increasing athe differential pressure on opposite sides lofsaid liquid seal whereby a portion-ofthe accumulatedwater of condensa@ :tion is forced into said' float "chamber, a ,liquid vdischarge passage communicating with thefloat chamber, a liollowvfioat lfor sui4 governing said discharge'passagd said floatl A being providedwith an airpassage whereby air f may be forced' continuously from the float chamber to the interior of the float and being also' provided with n an air absagev -whereby air.I may be intermittent y discliar ed Vfrom the linterior of the float into the iquid discharge passage, the air inlet passage being a restricted" opening andthe air'outletpassage being a comparatively un restricted opening..

` .12. 'Valve mechanism for discharging air ing systems by' differential pressure compris;

"ing afloat chamber, a liquid discharge ypassage 'communicating ftherewith, a conduit adapted tol provide communication between a radiator and said float chamber and ope'uing into said float chamber above the line of flotation of said float, aliquidseal arranged to be-sealed by the accumulation'of-watei of condensation iii said conduit-thereby increasg ing the differential pressure on opposit'esides of said liquid seal wherebyA af'portio'n of: the

i accumulated Water of. condensation isfoif'ced" Minto said float chamber, a hollo'wffloatvffor overning said discharge passage,'-sai'dfloat cmg-'provided Awith `a 'restrictedfair' inlet;

cation, throughthe hollow float, etween the float chamber and a zone of lower pressure communiand water lof'condensation from steam heatwhereby a partial vacuum is established in the tloat when said liquid discharge passage is closed and whereby water is forced into the float when the latter is raised and said liquid discharge passage is in open communication with the float chamber.

l%."\f'alve mechanism for discharging air and water of condensation from steam heating systems by differential pressure comprising a float chamber, a liquid discharge lpassage communicating therewith, a conduit adal'ited to providecommunication between a radiator and said float chamber and 4opening into said float chamber above the line of flotation of said float, a liquid seal arranged l to be sealed by the accumulation of Water of condensation in said conduit thereby increasing the differential pressure on opposite sides of said liquid seal whereby-a portion of the accumulated water of condensation is forced into said `float chamber,l a hollow float chains,

bei-having a valve liquid discharge with a restricted air inlet opening and with a comparatively.unrestricted outlet opening adapted to govern the itt'oidiiig communication, through the ho'll' low tioat. between the'float cliainbei' and a zoiie'of lowerpressure, whereby af partial vacuum is established in the float when said liquid discharge passage is closed and whereby water forced into the float when the latter is raised and said liquid discharge passage is in open communication with the float chamber.

' lt. Valve mechanism for discharging air and water of condensation from steam heating systems by differential pressure comprising a tloat chamber` a liquid discharge passage communicating thereivith. a conduit `adapted to provide communicationbetween a radiator and said Hoat chamber and `opening into said tioat chamber above the line ot' tiotation of said tloat, a liquid seal arranged to be sealed by the accumulation of water ofcoiidensation in said conduit thereby increasing the differential pressure on opposite sides of said seal whereby a portion of the 'iiccumulatfcd water of condensation is forced into said tioat chan'iber, a hollow tioat provided with av valve for controlling said liquid discharge passage and being also provided with an air passage extending through the float and valve and discharging into said liquid dischargeI passage, the upper part of said air passage being a restricted inlet opening and the lowerpart being a comparatively unrestricted outlet opening through the valve. whereby a partial vacuum is established in the float when the valve is seated and whereby water is forced into the tloat from the tloatchamber when the valve is raised from its scat.

l5. Valve mechanism for discharging air and water of condensation from steam heat-` ing systems by dilt'crential kpressure compassage and being providedseal arranged to besealed b v the prisving a shell formed with a float chamber, a liquid discharge passage communicating with said tioat chamber, a hollow tloat in said chamber, a valve carried by the float which governs the liquid discharge passage. a conduitadapted to provide communication between a radiator and said iioat chau'iber and opening into said float chamber above the line of flotation of said tloat, a liquid seal arranged to be sealed by the acciunnlation of water of condensation .in said conduit thereby increasing `the differential pres`- sure on opposite sides of said liquid seal whereby a. portion of the accumulated water of condensation is forced into said float' chamber, a hollow guide stein extending upwardly from said Hoat and having guidii'ig engagement With said shell and providingl a restricted opening for the passage of air from the tloat chamber yto the hollow tloat` said float being provided also with a com paratively unrestricted oi it lct opening a tt'oi'ding communication between Athe hollow tloat and ay zone of `lower pressure than that ot the float chamber, whereby a partial vacuum .is established in the float when the valve carried thereby is seated and whereby water is forced into t-lie float from the ttoat chain ber when said valve is raised.

16. Valve mechanism for discharging air and Water of condensation from steam hcat ing systems by dicrential pressure coniprising a shell. afloat chamber therein. a conduit adapted to provide communication between a ra( liator-and said tioat chamber and opening into said tloat chamber above Athe line of flotation of said Heat. a liquid accumulation of water of condensation in said coudii'it thereby increasing the ditl'erential pressure on opposite sides of said liquidy seal whereby a portion of vthe accumulated water of condensation is forced into said float. chamber, ya liquid discharge p2 ige couiniunicating with the ytioat chamber. a hollow float for governing the liquid discharge pas-I sage and provided with an air passage e.\;-

licc

tending through `the `tioat and dischargingf into said liquid passage, ,the upper part of said.air-discharge passage being a restricted inlet opening and the lower part being a comparatively unrestricted outletopening a ti'ording communication between thehollow float andfa'zone of loi er pressure than that of the tioat chamber;l whereby a partial I -vacuurn isestablished in the tloat when the@y liquid `discharge passage closed agaiustj" communication with the fioat chamber and,`J whereby water is forced into the 'float from 'thegtloat chamber when the float is raised, andfA means for partially closing the upper part of the air dischargi`| passage whereby the low of air fromthe float. chaii'ibcr into the hollow fioat becomes more restricted when the float is 'aisedi ist - 17. ,valve mechanism' fr aischafging if and water' of condensation from steam heating systems b diifeentialpressu're compris. ing a float' c amber, 'a "conduit' 'adapted to provide communication between 'a 'radiator' andv said" float 'chamber and opening'V 'into said 1 float' 'chamber abovel the line of' 'flotas tion off-said fioatyaliquidfseal 'arranged to' be" sealed by the "accumulation '.of` water' of condensation in .'"said'fcon'duit 'thereby increasingfthe differential pressure on' oppof sit'efsides' of'said 'liquidse'a'l whereby ay por- 'tionof the accumulated water of' condensa'- tion i's "forced `i nto"`sa'id ,'oat chamber,I a liquid" discharge passage communicating with the loa't chamber, a hollow float in said lfloat chamber, aval-ve carried bysaidfloat 'A for governing' said discharge passage, said oat being provided at'its upper end with' a 'restricted 'opening' and' 'through .which air" -is'dischar ed from the lloat'A chamber to the interior o fthe bellow am and'being pra vided at its' 'lowerjj'end with" an 'opening through which air'is discharged from the hollow float 'through' said valve to' the liquid discharge openin theflower opening' 'ofthe float' belng seale by the water 'int chamber whenthe'oati's raised."

18. Valve mechanism'tr discharginair and wat'er of condensation 4from steam eatf in'g -systems'by diierentialprss'ure 'compris'-l dult adapted to provide oo nir'nuni'cation'3 between a radiator and said' float chamber a'nd opening into 'said float' chamber' above the line of flotationv of `said {loan-:alli uid sealarrang'ed to'b sealed bythe accumu ation of f A. water of'co" 1"1densation `1`n said 'conduit there-A A 'by mcreasln'g thedii'rential' ressure on opposite vsides of `'saidv liquid sea whereby. a portionof the 'accumulated water of. con- 1 ensation is forcednto s'aid oat chamber,

a liquid discharge passage' communicating with -saidlfloat' chamber ahollow float in said float 'chamber provided'with a valvefor l"controlling `s aid liquid 'discharge passage,

a stem 'extending "upwardly from said floatv and providing' alrestrlcted -opening for the "passage of air from the" oat chamber tothe' ollowj float, said ,st-em' havin guidingfengagen'ient'withvthe'top wal of; the y' iioat `with an air passage whereby air may 'I chamber, 'a cap"havingdetachable-,engagement with said4 top wall and inclosingI the up 'er' end of said stem, said 'float being provi ed witha comparatively unrestricted outlet `o ening throughv thevalve vcarried by the" oat 'to afford communication between thehollow float and a zone of lowerI pressure than that of the'oat chamber, whereby a partial'vacuum'is established in the hollowv Heat .when the valve is seated and 'whereby v wateris'for'ced into the float from the float 19. Valve mechanism -for discharging` air and water of condensation vfrom steam heating systems bydifferential pressure comprishamber'when the'valve israised from vits I ing a oat chamber,A a conduit adapted to densation in the conduit thereby increasing the differential pressure o'nopposite sides of said "liquid seal vvhereb a portion ofthe 'accumulated' water of con ensationis forced 'e fl'ofit i into said float chamber, a 'liquid discharge 'assage 'communicating with the ioat chamer,`-a' 'hollow float ifor governing said dischargepassage, said` float being prxvideg e orce continuously from the float-chamber into the in teriorof the float and being provided also wlth'l anair. discharge passage whereby air may be' intermittently discharged from the interior' of the oat into 'the liquid discharge'passage, the air inlet passage being a 'restricted opening and the air outlet passage" bein a comp'aratii'lely'` unrestricted ching, Vt 'e .oatbein'g adjusted'w'hereby t e said outletv opening of the float is sealed' by the' water in the' float` chamber when the' o'atis raised. v

'In "testimony, that I clalm' theforegolng as my't invention I' alix. my signature' 1n f presence ofjtwo witnesses, 'this 9th day of March 1 1. D; 1906.

.BYRON nvANAUKEN.

Witnesses;

TAYLOR E. BROWN, 'Qnn'rnunn J. BRYCE. 

